Answers to FAQs

It is suggested that you check with the institution, employer or licensing board to know the specific requirements before sending documents for evaluation. The following are some general guidelines:

General Report: A Statement of degree equivalency is appropriate for freshman admission, employment and immigration purposes.

Course-by-Course Analysis is mostly for continuing education (for possible transfer of credits), and for professional licensing/certificate. Does not include statement of degree equivalency (general report), nor GPA (additional $20, item #8 on fee schedule).

Comprehensive Evaluation Report: (includes both Course-by-Course and General Report) is usually required for professional licensing/membership, teacher certification, and for graduate admission.

NOTE: some employers may also require a Course-by-Course evaluation in addition to the General report.

2. If I only need a General Report, do I need to send in a transcript of record?

Both Transcript of Records and Certificate of Graduation/Diploma, if graduated, are requested for any type of the evaluation report.

3. What if my transcript of record shows only subject and grade, but no credits nor hours of studies?

In few cases, when the school's transcript does not indicate the hours of study or the credits earned for each subject, the school syllabus is required. If a syllabus is not available, reconstruction work is needed in order to calculate appropriate U.S. credit equivalencies for the course-by-course evaluation. The standard Reconstruction fee is $100 per program, but may vary depending on the complexity of each case. Download and print the Reconstruction by Synthesis Form.

4. What if I wish to have GPA done?

Grade point average (GPA) is not routinely done unless specifically requested. The course-by-course evaluation must be completed in order to have GPA, as GPA is calculated from the U.S. equivalency of credits and grades from the course-by-course evaluation. A nominal fee of $20 is to be added to the total evaluation cost for this calculation.

5. How long does it take for the evaluation?

The evaluation process normally takes two to four weeks, depending on the completeness of information and documents submitted, the type of the evaluation report, and the complexity of the documents. All evaluation requests are processed on first come first served basis.

6. What if I need the evaluation in a short time?

The Center offers Rush Services for one, two or five working days, for the additional fee of $195, $100 or $50 respectively. For a one-day rush service request, the applicant must first consult the Center by phone prior to sending the documents. Money order/bank check/cashier check is required for 1 and 2 day rush requests. Rush Service requests are accepted on a case-by-case basis, and will start when complete information/documents and evaluation fee are received in the Center.

7. How can I request for an additional evaluation set?

Once the evaluation report is completed, additional official evaluation set can be requested for different institutions by sending a written request to the Center with a fee of $30 (postage/handling fee included), and the name/address of the institution you wish to have the evaluation report addressed to. Additional postage and handling fee of $10 will be required if you wish to have the report to be sent directly to the institution by Certified Mail. Additional evaluation reports can be requested up until the expiration date of your file.

8. How long after the first evaluation can I still request an additional official copy of report?

All evaluation files are kept active in the Center for three years from the date the evaluation is completed. The expiration date is indicated on the cover letter attached to the copy of evaluation report, which was mailed to you for your record when the evaluation was first completed. Additional evaluation report can be request during this three-year period. Files will be purged and destroyed after the expiration date, you will need to reapply if evaluation report is still needed after. Discounted fee will be considered for all reapplied applicants.

9. Can I extend the expiration date of my file?

The expiration date of your file can be extended for three more years if requested before the expiration date. You will need to send the Center a new Application Form to update the file with the fee equivalent to 50% of the original evaluation fee.

10. Do you provide translation service?

The Center provides evaluation service only. The Center accepts Certified Translation from Certified Translators, preferably translators certified by the American Translators Association (ATA). One of the translation services you can use is Credential Consultants, which offers automatic delivery of translations for IESCAREE customers at www.iescareei.cc.credentialconnection.com, Tel. +1 (832)741-3555.

11. Can I translate the documents myself?

All academic transcripts of records have to be translated by a Certified Translator to ensure accuracy and impartiality of the translated documents.

12. Where can I find a translation service?

Translation, if needed, will be accepted from any certified translation service, preferably from translators who are certified by the American Translators Association (ATA). Phone book or the Internet is useful for the search. All arrangements must be made directly with the translation service of your choice.

13. Are original documents required for evaluation purposes?

Original documents are required for verification purposes. For official documents previously submitted to an accredited institution, true copies will be accepted if they are sent directly to the center by the institution.

14. What if I disagree with the results of the evaluation report?

If you disagree with the outcome of the evaluation report, please email or write to the Center to address your concerns. As indicated in the Terms and Conditions on the application form that you have read and signed, the Center does not guarantee that you will agree with the conclusion of the evaluation, but the Center will standby ready to explain the methods and standards used in the evaluation process.

15. What if my current name is not the same as the one listed on my documents?

If your name has changed, please submit the legal proof of name change, i.e. marriage certificate, and/or other documents that show a legal change of name.

16. Can I come to the office to submit original documents? I don't want to mail them.

The Center conducts business by mail only. However, a walk-in appointment can be made only for applicants needing 1 day rush service. Please call the Center at (714) 237-9272 to schedule an appointment.

17. Do I have to mail original documents? I have only one set and I am afraid it my be lost in the mail.

Original documents are required for verification purposes. It is recommended that all requested original documents be sent to the Center by a secured mailing, i.e. Certified mail, Insured mail or Express mail. The minimum postage and handling fee of $10 does include the cost of Certified Mail for returning all original documents to applicant. Refer to Fee Schedule for charges on faster secured mailings.

18. How do you verify authenticity of documents submitted?

Through reference materials, resources, networking, professional memberships, and 20 years of services, the Center has numerous country specific samples of documents, and a precise list of criteria which are trademarks of authentic documents. All questionable original documents will be sent to the issuing institution or the country Ministry of Education for verification. The direct verification time could be 1 to 6 months.

19. Can I pay by Credit Card as my request for an evaluation is urgent?

The Center does not process credit card payment at the present time. Since original documents have to be submitted, payment in money order can be sent with original documents to the Center by one day Express mail service.